[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 176 (Tuesday, November 15, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S6681]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                              South Dakota

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I want to begin my remarks this morning by 
first expressing my profound gratitude to the people of South Dakota 
for once again trusting me to serve as their Senator. I am deeply 
grateful to live in South Dakota and to represent the Rushmore State.
  There are a lot of things that make our State special, like its 
incredible natural beauty, a legacy of military service, or the fact 
that our State is a great place to raise a family. But what really 
makes our State tick, what really makes it special, is our people. And 
it is the honor of my life to represent South Dakotans in the U.S. 
Senate.
  Growing up in Murdo, SD--population 456--I learned the character of 
South Dakotans, the work ethic, the love of country and commitment to 
freedom, coupled with a belief in personal responsibility and the sense 
of responsibility to the broader community.
  Life in rural South Dakota can be tough, but growing up we knew that 
we were not on our own. In Murdo, we knew that if a roof collapsed 
under the weight of snow or a windstorm came through and wiped out a 
barn or we lost a friend or a family member, the whole community would 
rally around to help.
  The values I learned growing up in South Dakota helped shape my 
political philosophy and are values that I strive to reflect every day 
here in the Senate. And as I continue my work here in Washington, my 
top priority will always be doing everything that I can to make life 
better for South Dakota families.
  Our country is facing some big challenges: a security crisis at our 
southern border, a growing energy problem, a serious crime problem, and 
the worst inflation prices in decades.
  I talked to a lot of South Dakotans as I traveled around the State 
this fall, and over and over I heard about the toll inflation is taking 
on family budgets and on the livelihood of farmers and ranchers in our 
State.
  Since President Biden took office, the price of groceries has 
increased 18 percent. Electricity bills have increased by 22 percent. 
Utility gas bills have increased by 46 percent. Rent prices are up. Car 
prices are up. The price of car maintenance is up. Farmers and ranchers 
are facing higher feed costs, higher fertilizer costs, higher fuel 
costs. Gas prices have increased by $1.37 per gallon since President 
Biden took office. And the price increase for diesel, which powers so 
much farm and ranch equipment, has been even worse.
  All told, inflation is currently costing the average household a 
staggering $753 a month--$753 each month. Americans can't afford that. 
It is no wonder that inflation topped the list of issues that Americans 
were concerned about when they went to the polls or that 76 percent of 
voters rated the economy negatively.
  Regardless of who is in charge over the next 2 years, Congress needs 
to spend its time focused on real solutions to our inflation crisis and 
the other challenges facing our country.
  I want to congratulate our new Republican Senators, and I look 
forward to the ideas that they will bring to the table and working with 
them to implement solutions to make life better for American workers 
and American families.
  It has been a challenging few years for the American people. And 
there are some very serious issues facing our Nation. But I have faith 
in the future. Every Congress represents a new start, a chance to chart 
a fresh vision for our country. And I believe that with the right 
policies, we can get America thriving again. I am ready to get to work.
  I yield the floor
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LANKFORD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Lujan). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.